A MOMENT OF GRATITUDE: RECOGNIZED AMONG THE TOP 100 KENYANS OF 2024

When I learned I had been named one of the Top 100 Kenyans of 2024,  I was stunned. The news came as a joyous surprise, catching me completely off guard. I remember reading through the list, not expecting to find my name, only to feel my heart skip a beat when I did. It was a humbling moment—a validation of the journey I’ve undertaken in the fight against non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

This recognition, bestowed by Kenyans.co.ke, is more than just a personal achievement. It’s a testament to the power of advocacy, policy engagement, and community-focused innovation in addressing some of the most pressing public health challenges of our time. My work in the NCDs space has always been driven by a desire to create meaningful change—advocating for better policies, raising awareness, and designing initiatives that empower individuals and communities to take control of their health.

The Path to Recognition

A key highlight that likely contributed to this recognition was the Young Innovators Award, which I received during the 5th Edition of the Quality Healthcare Forum & Awards in April 2024. Standing among other incredible innovators and changemakers at this event was an unforgettable experience. It reminded me of the countless hours of hard work, collaboration, and unwavering belief in the possibility of a healthier future for all.

This award acknowledged the strides I’ve made in creating impactful interventions in the NCDs space. Whether it’s developing tools to assess NCD risks, participating in policy discussions, or leveraging digital platforms to amplify advocacy, every step has been guided by a passion to make health equity a reality.

Recognition: A Catalyst for More Action

To be included in the Top 100 Kenyans of 2024 is not just a moment of celebration—it’s a moment of reflection and renewed commitment. It’s a reminder that the work we do, however small it may seem at times, is seen and valued. Recognition like this fuels my determination to continue advocating for NCDs prevention, management, and policy reform.

For me, this honor serves as a call to action. The NCDs burden remains a significant challenge, and while we’ve made progress, there’s still much to be done. I’m inspired to double down on efforts to push for stronger policies, expand access to education and preventive measures, and engage more stakeholders in this fight.

A Word of Thanks

I would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the incredible support system that has made all of this possible. To the organizations and colleagues who supported and  believed in my vision—thank you. Your encouragement has been the wind beneath my wings.

To Kenyans.co.ke and the Quality Healthcare Forum, thank you for shining a spotlight on the work being done in the NCDs space. This recognition is not just mine—it belongs to every advocate, policymaker, healthcare provider, and community member who is part of this journey.

Finally, to the young people across Kenya and Africa working tirelessly to make a difference in their communities: keep going. Your efforts matter, and they are being noticed. Let’s continue to innovate, collaborate, and inspire each other to build healthier, more resilient societies.

This moment is a celebration of how far we’ve come—and a reminder of how much more we can achieve together.

Published by Oduor Kevin

ODUOR KEVIN is a Public Health Specialist with considerable experience in the health care industry. He has worked in various organizations, leading projects and programs aimed at improving the health outcomes of people living with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and the general population. Oduor Kevin is currently the Chief Programs Officer at Stowelink Inc, a youth-led organization with a single most focus on addressing the burden of NCDs. Oduor’s experience in project management is attributed to his work at Population Services Kenya (PSK) where he served as a member of the National Coordinating Committee for Kitu Ni Kukachora project. Further, in 2019, Oduor Kevin was appointed as Kenyatta University Campus Director by Millennium Campus Network (MCN) to supervise and lead Millennium Fellows in their Social Impact projects. During this assignment, he successfully supervised the fellows and delivered them for graduation under the banner of Millennium Fellowship.

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